Richard ROBERTSON

ROBERTSON _ Richard (Rick) Allan Robertson died peacefully January 1, 2004. He was technically 56, but those who knew and loved him know that Rick was true to the end to his favourite song, "18 Til I Die." Born June 19, 1947, and raised by his chosen parents Allan and Margaret, he grew up in Kimberley and Trail, B.C. He developed a lifelong passion for skiing and his distinctive style can still be seen in those he taught to venture off the groomed trails and to not be afraid to find your own path in life. He earned his BA in Psychology at UBC, a Master's in Psychology from McMaster University, and an MBA from Simon Fraser University. In the MBA program Richard met his match in every sense of the word in Eileen Stewart. Their partnership resulted in a home, son Jason and marriage (in that order). They spent the next two decades renovating their Victorian home, harvesting huge crops of pears and veggies from Richards garden, golfing, traveling the world for pleasure, working as an industrial psychologist, and enjoying the company of an eclectic group of family and friends. Richard was dynamic, curious, and always had a zest for life. He played racquetball with zeal and he hated to lose, which fortunately wasn't often. Richard, Eileen and Jason spent countless hours (and years) restoring a 1967 red Mustang for J.R. to drive. He was in hospital when Jason graduated from McGill University this summer, but he heard the ceremony via Eileen's cell phone. Richard will be greatly missed by wife Eileen, his beloved son Jason (and Andrea McLean), sister Lynn Coupland (formerly of Trail), brother Peter, brother-in-law Phil Sonleitner and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Thanks to Rick's extended family at John Fleury & Associates and Ray Berndtson/Tanton Mitchell Inc. for keeping the business running during Rick's extended illness. Special thanks to Dr. Paul Galbraith, Dr. Christopher Ryan, and other doctors and nurses at St. Paul's Hospital and to the numerous friends who made time to visit Rick while he was in hospital. A celebration of Richard's life will be in the Eureka Gallery at Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, on Sunday, January 11, at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation or St. Paul's Hospital Foundation. In addition, the family is planning to establish a scholarship in his name at UBC with more information available shortly.